Liverpool’s manager Andoni Ira ola has publicly questioned the referee’s decision to issue a red card to Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch in the club’s 3‑0 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield. The dismissal came after Gravenberch received a second yellow for a challenge on Jérémy Doku, following an earlier, arguably minor, foul on Elliot Anderson. Three minutes after the dismissal, Erling Haaland opened the scoring for City, and the hosts added goals from Doku and Rayan Cherki to seal the win.
Ira ola said the match had essentially been two distinct phases. “We were the better team until the red card, and they were better after that,” he told reporters. He praised his players for their effort and the supporters for their “fantastic” atmosphere, noting that the team had been “positive” and “full of chances” before the dismissal. “It’s not a lot to lose after a 3‑0 defeat, but it was important,” he added.
The manager also criticised the timing of the first yellow card given to Gravenberch. “The first foul of Ryan is never a yellow card, never,” he said, describing the incident as a “stomp on the big toe” that did not create an advantage. He argued the referee should have let the play continue, as the contact was minimal and the ball was in the middle of the pitch. Ira ola further mentioned a yellow card to Ronald Araújo early in the game, suggesting that referees should be more cautious when players complain.
The match was the first Premier League game played by City after an independent commission found the club guilty of breaching financial rules. City have denied any wrongdoing and are appealing the verdict, but a successful appeal could lead to significant sanctions. Ira ola said the outcome of the commission’s findings would not change how he viewed the match, stating, “We lost the game, but that’s football. We competed, we can analyse.”
Looking forward, Liverpool will need to regroup after the heavy defeat and the controversial red card. The club’s performance against a top‑flight opponent remains a concern as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, while Manchester City will continue to navigate the implications of the financial investigation.